sikkim Tourism

Sikkim a land of looming mountains and frozen lakes. Of monasteries and mysterious rituals. Of smiling people, who are still innocent and unspoiled by the ways of modern life. Sikkim is a tiny state, nestling in the mountain ranges of north-east of India, under the shadow of the majestic Kanchenjunga -- the third highest peak in the world.
The state measures just 7,300 square kilometers -- roughly twice the size of Goa -- but, within this area, Sikkim has tropical valleys that are a mere 300 meters above sea level and icy peaks -- like Kanchenjunga -- that rise 8586 meters into the sky!
Sikkim derives its name from the word "sukh-im", which in the local dialect means "happy homeland". For a long time in history, it was an isolated, independent Buddhist kingdom under the Red Hat or Nyingma-pa sect.

In 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. And, it is only in recent years that this Happy Homeland has opened up to happy holiday-makers. That too -- not fully yet. Efforts are still on by the Sikkim Tourism Department to "market" it as a mountain destination for tourists. Sikkim is one of the most perfect destinations for vacationers in search of natural beauty, rugged adventure or spiritual tranquillity. This land of mist and mystery casts a spell on the visitor -- as one dreamy day floats gently into the next.
In many ways, Sikkim represents India's Last Shangri-La. One last, wonderful glimpse at a way of life in the mountains, that once was -- and which may not remain, for long!

Tourist Destinations

Gangtok is the most important town and the capital of the state. It lies on a ridge with fine views of the Kanchenjunga. This is the most common tourist destination in the state. You can easily spend 2 to 3 days sightseeing around Gangtok. If you intend to travel to North Sikkim, you must spend two nights in Gangtok on your way and back.

Pelling is the second most popular tourist destination. It is the original capital of Sikkim and ruins of the erstwhile capital is still well preserved. Pelling also offers excellent views of the Kanchenjunga range of mountain.

North Sikkim offers natural beauty at its best. Lachen and Lachung are the two main tourist towns; Lachen acting as a base for a trip to Gurudongmar and Lachung as the base for visiting the Yumthang valley area.
To really see this Himalayan state, it is necessary to leave the hamlets and travel to the remote areas. It is impossible not to be awed by Sikkim's sharp, lush hills, leaping waterfalls, thundering rivers, and placid lakes.

The people, sculpted by lives of low-tech farming and mountainous travel, have behind them generations of communal intermixing. Sikkim is divided into 4 districts, South, North, East and West. The South District has lower altitude and Namchi is the district capital. The Samdruptse monastery and Char Dham have brought Namchi into the tourism landscape. The other important tourist destination here is Ravangla. Gangtok is located in the East District. West District offers destinations such as Pelling and Yuksom as well as beautiful treks such as the one to Dzongri. The North district bordering China offers excellent high altitude destinations such as Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar.